‘Endometriosis patients live with pain for life’
In this interview, he reveals that endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder in females within the age group of 15-44 years. According to him worldwide 1:10 women are affected with this disorder ranging from mild to severe. However, diagnosing endometriosis can be difficult for a non-specialist because symptoms can vary and the only way to […]
In this interview, he reveals that endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder in females within the age group of 15-44 years. According to him worldwide 1:10 women are affected with this disorder ranging from mild to severe. However, diagnosing endometriosis can be difficult for a non-specialist because symptoms can vary and the only way to definitely diagnose endometriosis is by undergoing a surgical procedure called laparoscopy.
Why is endometriosis common among women?
We don’t know why it affects so many women around the world but the numbers are the same regardless of what country they are from; be it in the United States, Nigeria or Africa, about 16 per cent of the population will have endometriosis. Some women’s symptoms will be very severe, some will have it in a more mild form but it is very common.
Is it hereditary?
It is related to family, yes it is hereditary. But not everybody will have it. But it is about seven times more likely for family members; mothers, sisters to get it.
For those who have it and its not genetic, is there any factors that make them predisposed to it?
Right now, we don’t know what the genetic markers are. That is one of the fore front of researches that is happening; to find genetic markers for the diseases associated with the actual. What makes the disease occur, then how those markers can be passed on from mother to daughter.
What are experts like you doing to find a cure?
My main role is care for patients in that condition. So we see patients with endometriosis; we help to manage their pain. I see patients with the worst form of the disease that we can offer care in the form of surgery. We have clinical trials happening where I work. There are new drugs trials with patients, to assist them get access to those drugs. We have trials of different surgical technique; which one might be better, which one might last longer for women more than two years down the road. So most of my researches are with patients I am taking care of under keen observation; there are people that work in the laboratory doing all kinds of researches as well. The two of them have to work together. We have to have both of them. We see people doing the basic science, trying to find the genetic code of endometriosis and then keep moving to take care of the patients. But in women with children, we keep a track of who they are, how they do, which could make their care better all the time.
In the care of people with endometriosis, what is the percentage of success in management?
If you measure it by how the women report the quality of life, that’s the most important thing. So the patients tell us how much better their pain is, during their periods. How much better their immune-sensual functions; ability to go to work, ability to do activity, school or sport, they’re hoping that however you get to treat them through medicines or surgery or a combination of both, that you can maximize their recovery positions.
What is the rate of conception for a woman with endometriosis?
Thirty to 40 per cent of them will have infertility issues while 60 to 70 of them will conceive.
Does the pain reduce with age?
Endometriosis like many of the diseases, it’s related to; the components will go through periods of waxing and waning; periods that are much worse and periods that are much better. They can last many years but wane. But it’s a disease that will last over a lifetime of a woman, unfortunately. We used to think that childbirth makes the disease better, it is like someone who has some pain relief but it would be temporary, it won’t be a couple of years. It’s probably related to a child who we know is pregnant but her immune system is more accepting of outside influences so is certain number of women who has some pain gets pregnant. It doesn’t cure the disease, sometimes it just provide a temporary break.
What is the prevalence rate?
It cuts across race unfortunately. It’s probably more of an issue here because it’s not easy to diagnose. Many women here are not able to access care. That is part of it. Cross sections of people have it.
Is there any way you can help to impart knowledge to our doctors so they can manage patients with endometriosis?
We have the same problems in the United States as well. You have to get the patient empowered to ask the physicians about it. Many physicians do not have accurate knowledge about it. Right now, as much as you can, spread the word and use the media to create awareness on endometriosis.